EducationNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Stories from Michigan Radio.NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94EducationThu, 22 Feb 2018 04:48:40 +0000Educationhttp://michiganradio.org
Stateside StaffResearchers at Michigan State University are gathering every scrap of information they can to develop a huge database on the African slave trade throughout the centuries. The project is called Enslaved .MSU researchers hope new slave trade database becomes a useful public resource http://michiganradio.org/post/msu-researchers-hope-new-slave-trade-database-becomes-useful-public-resource
34742 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 20 Feb 2018 21:35:35 +0000MSU researchers hope new slave trade database becomes a useful public resource Brianna EcclestonThe University of Michigan is set to end a long-standing tradition on May 1. "Michigan Time" is the practice of starting classes, meetings, and events 10 minutes after the designated start time to allow for travel time across campus. In a release by the University Record , the practice will be updated at the start of the spring semester, although the majority of students will see the change for the fall term. The 10-minute transition time will move before the hour instead of after the hour. Previously a one-hour class with an official start time of 9:00 a.m. would begin at 9:10 a.m. Under the new policy, class will begin at the official start time but end at 9:50 a.m. "The adjustment to start times will allow for increased collaboration and more classes to be taken by all students. University meetings operate on the hour and this will facilitate faculty and student participation," Philbert says. The goal of the change is to ensure greater consistency among the Ann Arbor community.University of Michigan alters "Michigan Time" policyhttp://michiganradio.org/post/university-michigan-alters-michigan-time-policy
34738 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 20 Feb 2018 18:27:08 +0000University of Michigan alters "Michigan Time" policyThe Associated PressA Detroit-area college will use a virtual cadaver to teach students how to perform human dissections. The biology department at Henry Ford College in Dearborn will use an Anatomage Table as part of its curriculum for the winter 2018 semester. The Anatomage Table cost $80,380 and was funded by a grant through the HFC Technology Investment Fund. “Once a human cadaver is dissected, you can re-use it again in a limited way, but it degrades rapidly. This Anatomage technology enables us to use and re-use the same ‘cadaver’ indefinitely, without previous dissections affecting how students see the anatomical structures” said Biology faculty chair Carla Serfas. Users can zoom in on areas of interest and use their finger to slice through any combination of muscle, bone, and all tissue levels.Henry Ford College is 1 of 5 Michigan schools with virtual cadaverhttp://michiganradio.org/post/henry-ford-college-1-5-michigan-schools-virtual-cadaver
34736 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 20 Feb 2018 17:18:12 +0000Henry Ford College is 1 of 5 Michigan schools with virtual cadaverCheyna RothConsumers Energy plans to become more environmentally friendly – while keeping customer bills stable. The company rolled out its “Clean Energy Breakthrough Goal” Monday. It plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% and use zero coal by 2040. The company also plans to have more than 40% of its energy come from renewable sources and energy storage by that same deadline. “In the past, people believed that we had to choose between affordable and clean energy,” said Consumers Energy CEO Patti Poppe. “We don’t subscribe to that sucker’s choice.” The idea is to create a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. But is 2040 too far into the future? The Paris Climate agreement calls for nations to scale back their emissions by 2020, and then reevaluate their emission goals every five years. Poppe said they’ve already made progress – including reducing carbon emissions by 38%. “Consider it phase two of our clean and lean generation strategy,” she said. “Phase one is well under way.” AConsumers Energy announces plans for reduced carbon emissions and zero coalhttp://michiganradio.org/post/consumers-energy-announces-plans-reduced-carbon-emissions-and-zero-coal
34729 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 19 Feb 2018 22:46:37 +0000Consumers Energy announces plans for reduced carbon emissions and zero coalCheyna RothMichigan State University’s major governing body held its first official public meeting with interim president John Engler today. The Board and Engler tried to keep the meeting "business as usual," although several members acknowledged calls by students and faculty to step down. At the end of the meeting, several students stood up with posters condemning the board and Engler. “We condemn the lack of functional institutions to investigate instances of sexual misconduct, prevent instances of sexual assault, and to support the survivors,” said Natalie Rogers, a sophomore from Canton, told the board. Earlier this week the MSU Faculty Senate voted 61 to 4 that they have no confidence in the board. At today's meeting several board members addressed what has become a consistent call among students and faculty for them to step down. "There’s no denying that these are pretty somber times for Michigan State University," said Board Chairman Brian Breslin. "And the no confidence votes that tookMSU Board of Trustees holds first formal meeting with Engler http://michiganradio.org/post/msu-board-trustees-holds-first-formal-meeting-engler
34711 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 16 Feb 2018 21:53:00 +0000MSU Board of Trustees holds first formal meeting with Engler Steve CarmodyMichigan’s two U.S. Senators want universities that receive federal funding to certify they are properly handling sexual abuse investigations. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, along with Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced “The Accountability of Leaders in Education to Report Title IX Investigations (ALERT) Act" this week. The bipartisan bill would require colleges and universities that get federal funding to submit an annual certification to the secretary of education. They would have to affirm that top school officials have reviewed all Title IX and Clery Act sexual abuse investigations involving an employee that were reported that year. Higher education officials would also be required to confirm that university officials have not interfered with or inappropriately influenced an ongoing investigation. "This bill is just one step we can take to make sure all universities take sexual abuse more seriously, and that their leadership is held publicly accountable,” said U.S.U.S. Senators want greater accountability for campus sexual assaulthttp://michiganradio.org/post/us-senators-want-greater-accountability-campus-sexual-assault
34687 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 15 Feb 2018 19:31:46 +0000U.S. Senators want greater accountability for campus sexual assaultGov. Rick Snyder has signed into law a change allowing charter schools to receive revenue from certain voter-approved property tax hikes. The taxes go to counties' traditional school districts on a per-student basis, on top of their state funding. The new law lets charters get a share of the extra local funding. Charters will only benefit when existing millages are renewed or new millages are approved.Snyder signs law to allow charter schools to receive tax revenue http://michiganradio.org/post/snyder-signs-law-allow-charter-schools-receive-tax-revenue
34686 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 15 Feb 2018 19:08:14 +0000Snyder signs law to allow charter schools to receive tax revenue Cheyna RothMichigan State University wants to change up its health systems structure. In an effort to streamline the school and increase communication among colleges, the university plans to create two new oversight positions. Norman Beauchamp is currently the dean of the College of Human Medicine. He is expected to become the newly created associate provost and assistant vice president for health affairs. That job will be focused on finding ways to improve safety and quality practices across all of MSU’s health care services. Beauchamp says this is a way for the school to improve best practices and response times in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal. “People came to us, young women and their families, and we disappointed we failed them," said Beauchamp. "And so the need to restore hope could not be greater and we will do that.” Nassar is the former MSU sports doctor recently convicted of sexually assaulting multiple women under the guise of treatment. MSU has been reeling in the wake ofMichigan State University announces new health structurehttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-state-university-announces-new-health-structure
34678 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 14 Feb 2018 23:13:08 +0000Michigan State University announces new health structureCheyna RothThe Michigan State University Faculty Senate passed a vote of no confidence in the schools’ Board of Trustees Tuesday.Michigan State University Faculty Senate passes no confidence vote in Board of Trustees http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-state-university-faculty-senate-passes-no-confidence-vote-board-trustees
34658 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 14 Feb 2018 02:27:33 +0000Michigan State University Faculty Senate passes no confidence vote in Board of Trustees Steve CarmodyThe state House may vote this week on a package of bills that would expand the state’s college savings program to include some K through 12 expenses. Michigan’s Education Saving Program was created to help families save for college, with tax-free accounts. But the proposed changes would allow money to be spent on primary and secondary school costs, including some expenses at non-public schools. Democratic lawmaker Adam Zemke thinks that’s a bad idea. “The public does not support the idea around public dollars being utilized as vouchers essentially,” says Zemke. But a majority of Republican state lawmakers do. Republican lawmaker Tim Kelly would eventually like to see parents be able to use the tax-free accounts to pay for tuition at private schools. “We’d need a constitutional amendment to do that,” says Kelly. “I think more and more parents would like that option. How soon we ever get there is another question.” The package of bills has already passed the state senate. Last week, theState House may consider bills to expand tax free education savings accounts this weekhttp://michiganradio.org/post/state-house-may-consider-bills-expand-tax-free-education-savings-accounts-week
34623 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 12 Feb 2018 12:24:11 +0000State House may consider bills to expand tax free education savings accounts this weekSteve CarmodyA new poll shows most Michigan parents have doubts about the education their children are getting. Ed Sarpolus, with Target Insyght , says pollsters asked the opinions of 1,000 parents of children in traditional and charter public schools, private schools and home schools. He says only 12% say current teaching practices in Michigan are meeting the needs of their children. “They’re not confident that the methods being taught now do help their children succeed. Not only in class but also in life,” says Sarpolus. 76% of parents surveyed say Michigan schools should allow students to progress through learning at their own pace and have an individualized learning plan. The survey was sponsored by the nonprofit organization Your Child.Poll finds Michigan parents are concerned about education methods http://michiganradio.org/post/poll-finds-michigan-parents-are-concerned-about-education-methods
34622 as http://michiganradio.orgSat, 10 Feb 2018 22:38:52 +0000Poll finds Michigan parents are concerned about education methods Cheyna RothSome lawmakers in Lansing want to use an A through F grading system to rate schools in some categories. This isn’t the first time an A through F system has been considered. Lawmakers say it’s an easy way to show how schools are doing. But recently, the state adopted a system that shows a lot of details about each public school. A new bill would keep that system but include A through F grades for some things. Brian Love is a parent from Detroit. He says parents need an easy way to determine if a school is good for their kids. “Parents have enough going on in their world, enough drama if you will," said Love. "But parents need as much help as possible and one of the easiest ways is being able to help a parent identify what’s a good school and what’s a bad school.” State Rep. Bill Sowerby, D-Clinton Twp., isn’t on board. He says there are other factors that can impact the school’s performance that aren’t reflected in a letter grade -- things like poverty and student home lives. "I don’tA-F grading system for schools up for consideration again http://michiganradio.org/post/f-grading-system-schools-consideration-again
34601 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 08 Feb 2018 22:56:22 +0000A-F grading system for schools up for consideration again Stateside StaffStudent loans help millions get their college degrees. But critics say our rigid, outdated system for paying back those loans is causing too many people to fall behind or default. People borrow for higher education all over the world. Who's doing it better and how?Australia, England offer clues on how to fix America’s student loan messhttp://michiganradio.org/post/australia-england-offer-clues-how-fix-america-s-student-loan-mess
34573 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 07 Feb 2018 23:03:43 +0000Australia, England offer clues on how to fix America’s student loan messSteve CarmodyThe business leaders who unsuccessfully pitched Detroit to Amazon are now being asked to make a similar commitment to public education. Billionaire Dan Gilbert and top Michigan businessmen made every effort to convince Amazon to put its second headquarters in the Motor City. They failed. Amazon left Detroit off its short list. The web giant cited problems with Michigan’s “talent” pool pipeline, including Kindergarten through 12 th grade. But a coalition consisting of students, educators and civic leaders see an opportunity.'Dear Dan Gilbert', coalition asks business leaders to improve Michigan public educationhttp://michiganradio.org/post/dear-dan-gilbert-coalition-asks-business-leaders-improve-michigan-public-education
34566 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 07 Feb 2018 00:50:51 +0000'Dear Dan Gilbert', coalition asks business leaders to improve Michigan public educationSteve CarmodyState lawmakers are considering dropping one requirement for a professional teaching certificate in Michigan that everyone agrees is a needed skill. In order to get their professional certificate, veteran Michigan teachers need to pass a reading disability diagnostics course. The intent is to train teachers to assist struggling students to read at grade level. But State Representative Jim Tedder (R-Clarkston) believes the $1,500 cost is too large a burden on young teachers. “I find it ironic that we are mandating an additional course….on the very population of teachers that I would argue are most up to date on the best practices,” says Tedder. Several lawmakers say student teachers should take this course in college. But Michigan’s teacher training colleges argue it’s more beneficial for veteran teachers to take the course. “The immersion into the classroom and individual student data and the use of those data to positively affect student outcomes require more practice as it would forBill would change requirement for veteran Michigan teachershttp://michiganradio.org/post/bill-would-change-requirement-veteran-michigan-teachers
34555 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 06 Feb 2018 18:20:56 +0000Bill would change requirement for veteran Michigan teachersThe Associated PressDETROIT - Detroit philanthropist Gretchen Valade has given more money to boost jazz studies at Wayne State University. The Detroit school announced Monday that Valade, a board member of Carhartt Clothing and granddaughter of its founder, pledged $2 million for an additional performance space in the future Gretchen Valade Jazz Center. Wayne State is using the money to update its current Studio Theatre in the Hilberry Theatre.Philanthropist gives $2M more to boost jazz at Wayne Statehttp://michiganradio.org/post/philanthropist-gives-2m-more-boost-jazz-wayne-state
34554 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 06 Feb 2018 17:11:50 +0000Philanthropist gives $2M more to boost jazz at Wayne StateSteve CarmodySeventeen-year-old Madison Horton is a student at the International Academy of Macomb. She’s also endured multiple surgeries to remove skin cancers. As a result, sunscreen is a big part of her life. But Horton says she was surprised to learn other Michigan students are not allowed to apply sunscreen at school. When she testified last week before the House Education Reform committee, Horton equated sunscreen with Epi-pens, which are allowed. “While these may be more short-term, as an asthma attack or allergic reaction… sunscreen is preventing a long-term effect and threat to our lives as well,” Horton told the state lawmakers on the committee. Still, many Michigan school districts only allow students to use sunscreen with a doctor’s note. A proposed state law would lift the liability concerns of school district administrators and permit students to use sunscreen during the day with a parent’s permission. The legislation has the support of Michigan dermatologists. “Children, they have aBill would enable students to use sunscreen with parents' permissionhttp://michiganradio.org/post/bill-would-enable-students-use-sunscreen-parents-permission
34544 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 05 Feb 2018 19:50:01 +0000Bill would enable students to use sunscreen with parents' permissionSteve CarmodyThis week, Gov. Snyder rolls out his final budget plan. He’s promised more money for K-12 education. In his State of the State address last month, Snyder promised the largest increase in minimum per pupil funding in 15 years. We’ll find out exactly how much that will be when his budget plan is delivered to state lawmakers on Wednesday. Michigan teachers will be closely watching. The Michigan Education Association calls news media reports saying the governor will propose a $233 increase “promising.” But the teachers union is reserving final judgment until it sees the “full extent” of Snyder’s plan for school funding.Gov. Snyder to include more money for education in budget planhttp://michiganradio.org/post/gov-snyder-include-more-money-education-budget-plan
34536 as http://michiganradio.orgSun, 04 Feb 2018 19:46:20 +0000Gov. Snyder to include more money for education in budget planVincent DuffyMichigan State University has yet to comply with a week old demand from Special Counsel in the Attorney General's office for physical evidence. Last Saturday, the Special Counsel investigating how MSU handled sexual abuse allegations against former sports doctor Larry Nassar demanded immediate production of physical items belonging to William Stampel. Stampel was dean of MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine where Nassar worked, and reached and agreement with Nassar on new protocols the doctor must follow after complaints in 2014. No one ever enforced those protocols and Stampel has resigned as dean, but is still employed by the university and is home on medical leave. Agents of the Attorney Generals office visited the Provost's office in the Hannah Administration building late this afternoon along with Michigan State Police to discuss the matter. They would not provide any other statement beyond saying their visit was related to MSU not complying with the request for evidence.Attorney General's office says MSU has not provided requested evidencehttp://michiganradio.org/post/attorney-generals-office-says-msu-has-not-provided-requested-evidence
34530 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 02 Feb 2018 22:42:43 +0000Attorney General's office says MSU has not provided requested evidenceCheyna RottThe pressure on Michigan State University to overhaul its administration continued last night. Hundreds gathered to voice their opposition and frustration with the school in a townhall-style event. Students, especially, yelled and cried as they told a Board of Trustee member that the school isn’t listening to them. That they don’t feel safe on campus. The Board of Trustees has been under fire recently because of allegations that the school ignored sexual assault complaints against former MSU sports doctor Larry Nassar. He was recently sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexual assault. Gwenneth Clise is a freshman. She says these last few weeks have been difficult and she feels “angry and frustrated and pretty alone, honestly.” Multiple participants called on the entire board to resign. MSU Board of Trustees member Brian Mosallam called for the town-hall because he said he wanted to listen to what the community was going through. Cayman Nelson is a freshman at MSU. She saysHundreds gather to voice opposition to MSU http://michiganradio.org/post/hundreds-gather-voice-opposition-msu
34512 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 02 Feb 2018 12:34:27 +0000Hundreds gather to voice opposition to MSU